AutoExpress decided to take on a new project – the BMW Z4. It features a retractable hardtop – but it will still use a cloth roof on the entry-level models. It comes with the naturally aspirated four and six cylinder powerplants.

A diesel is also being considered â€“ a first for the Z4 â€“ and there’s no doubt that the 3-series-based roadster will come packing the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six that’s proliferated throughout BMW’s lineup. More importantly, rumors are beginning to swirl that the M version will be equipped with the 4.0-liter V8 currently found in the M3. If that happens, it’s all but guaranteed that the twin-clutch gearbox will find a happy home in the transmission tunnel.